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Ohio State Upsets No. 2 Purdue in Thrilling Matchup

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Photo Cred: USA Today

In a stunning upset, the Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the No. 2 Purdue Boilermakers 73-69 in a thrilling matchup at Value City Arena on Sunday. The Buckeyes, coming off a coaching change earlier in the week, showed resilience and determination against one of the nation’s top teams. Interim head coach Jake Diebler, who took over after the dismissal of Chris Holtmann, led Ohio State to a victory in his first game at the helm.

Ohio State stuns No. 2 Purdue 73-69 in interim coach's debut | KRQE News 13

Photo Cred: KRQE

“This win is a testament to the belief and determination of our players,” said Diebler. “I couldn’t be prouder of their effort tonight.”

From the onset, Purdue appeared dominant, jumping out to an early lead and controlling the tempo of the game. However, Ohio State clawed back with tenacious defense and timely scoring.

“We got off to a good start, but Ohio State’s defense disrupted our rhythm,” said Purdue head coach Matt Painter.

The Buckeyes showcased their depth, utilizing their entire roster to keep fresh legs on the court. Players like center Austin Parks and forward Devin Royal made significant contributions off the bench. Ohio State seized momentum in the second half, extending their lead to nine points behind strong shooting from Jamison Battle. Despite Purdue’s late surge, the Buckeyes maintained their composure down the stretch.

“We knew Purdue would make a run, but we stayed poised and executed when it mattered most,” said Battle.

Ohio State stuns No. 2 Purdue 73-69 in interim coach's debut

Photo Cred: Wish-TV

The game came down to the wire, with Ohio State holding off Purdue’s late rally to secure the victory. Diebler’s squad forced turnovers and capitalized on free throws to seal the win in front of a raucous home crowd. With this statement win, Ohio State improves to 16-11 overall and 5-10 in Big Ten play. The Buckeyes look to build on their momentum as they face the Minnesota Gophers on Thursday.

“We’re taking this one game at a time,” said Diebler. “But this win gives us confidence moving forward.”

The Buckeyes’ victory over Purdue sends shockwaves through college basketball and serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of the sport. Ohio State fans can savor this triumph as they eagerly await the team’s next challenge.

Tiger Woods Withdraws from Genesis Invitational Due to Illness

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Photo Cred: CNN

Golf icon Tiger Woods withdrew from the Genesis Invitational on Friday, citing an undisclosed illness after completing six holes of the second round. The 15-time major champion, who underwent surgery to fuse his right ankle in April 2023, found himself 2-over par through 36 holes and outside the projected cut line. This marked Woods’ first PGA Tour event of 2024 and only his seventh official event since sustaining severe leg injuries in a car crash back in February 2021.

Tiger Woods out of PGA Genesis Invitational because of illness - Los  Angeles Times

 

The Genesis Invitational becomes the third tournament he’s withdrawn from out of the seven he’s played since the accident, including the current event and the 2022 PGA Championship. Back spasms troubled Woods during the first round, culminating in a surprising shank on his approach shot at the 18th hole. Despite his determination to push through, his health ultimately forced him to bow out of the competition. In December 2023, Woods had mentioned that playing in one tournament per month in 2024 would be a realistic goal as he continues his rehabilitation from injuries.

Tiger Woods Withdraws from Genesis Invitational

Photo Cred: People

The Genesis Invitational was highly anticipated as Woods’ debut for the 2024 season, particularly since he received a special exemption from the PGA Tour for this limited-field event. Woods expressed his love for competition and the camaraderie with fellow players but also acknowledged the possibility of reaching a point where retirement from the game might be necessary. Despite his stature as a 15-time major champion, Woods’ participation in official events has been limited since the 2021 car crash. However, with his sights set on playing at least one tournament per month in 2024, fans can anticipate seeing him back on the course in the near future.

Who should the Buckeyes make their next head coach?

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Photo Cred: USA Today

Chris Holtmann, the former head coach of the Ohio State men’s basketball team, was fired on Feb. 14, 2024 after serving as the Buckeyes’ head coach for seven seasons. Hired in 2017, Holtmann replaced former Ohio State men’s basketball coach Thad Matta. At the beginning of his tenure with the Buckeyes, he led the team to a 25-9 record (15-3 in the Big Ten) and went to back-to-back NCAA tournaments. However, OSU lost a step in the 2022 season, going 16-19 and 5-15 in the Big Ten.

The team started the 2023 season on a high note, going 12-2 to start off the year, but soon dropped to second-to-last place in the Big Ten standings after another tumultuous January. The team has not won a road game since Jan. 1 2023. They are 18-29 in the month of January over the past six seasons. Ohio State has hired Jake Diebler as interim head coach to finish the season until the university decides on a new head coach, but a question still remains: who should be the next head coach of the Buckeyes?

Jake Diebler

Ohio State Promotes Jake Diebler As Staff Undergoes Makeover - Sports  Illustrated Ohio State Buckeyes News, Analysis and More

Photo Cred: SI

Diebler served as an assistant coach for the Buckeyes for three years, beginning in 2019, before being promoted to assistant head coach prior to the 2021-2022 season. Jake helped in beginning the rebuilding process for the Buckeyes by bringing in players like Bruce Thornton, Roddy Gayle Jr., and Felix Okpara after an unfavorable 2022-2023 season, which saw the Buckeyes finishing second to last in the Big Ten. He also helped mentoring 2014 NCAA Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Craft and D’Angelo Russell, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft and 2015 First-Team All-American. Diebler earned Academic All-League Honors and was named to the Horizon League Academic Honor Roll during his undergraduate career, graduating from Valparaiso in May 2009.

Sean Miller

Sean Miller reaches agreement to return as Xavier basketball's coach

Photo Cred: USA Today

Miller is currently serving as the head coach of Xavier’s men’s basketball program, who have gone 13-12 on the year and are 7-7 in the Big East conference. In the 2022-23 season, Miller led the Musketeers to a 27-10 record, the best record Xavier has posted since the 2017-18 season, where they went 29-6 under Chris Mack. The team also averaged the most points since the 2017-18 season with 80.9 points scored per game and went 15-5 in the Big East Conference. The Musketeers ranked #13 last year at the end of the season and entered the NCAA tournament as a No. 3 seed. They lost to the No. 2 seed Texas Longhorns 83-71 NCAA Tournament Regional Semifinal.

Lamont Paris

Latest on keeping Lamont Paris at South Carolina - On3

Photo Cred: On3.com

Paris is currently the head coach of South Carolina’s men’s basketball program, who have gone 21-5 on the year and 9-4 in the SEC. They are ranked #11 nationally and third in the SEC rankings behind Tennessee and Alabama. While Lamont struggled in his first season with the Gamecocks (2022-23), putting up an 11-21 record, he managed to turn the Gamecocks around at the beginning of this season, winning eight straight games before finally losing to a top-25 team in the Clemson Tigers, 72-67.

Paris also has led the Gamecocks to scoring an average of 72.6 points per game while only allowing 64.0 points per game, ranking in the top 35 of NCAA men’s basketball teams. The Gamecocks also rank in the top-25 in the NCAA for turnovers committed, turning the ball over only 9.9 times per game, whereas the Buckeyes turn the ball over 10.5 times per game, landing them right at 50th in the country for least turnovers committed. 

Other names to look for are Nate Oats from Alabama, Dusty May from Florida Atlantic, Greg McDermott from Creighton, and Porter Moser from Oklahoma. The Buckeyes are also looking at former Ohio State assistant and the current head coach of the Ohio Bobcats, Jeff Boals. Ohio State will ride out with Jake Diebler for the remainder of the season, but will be looking to fill their head coaching vacancy come March.

N’Faly Dante Seals Ducks Dramatic Win Over Oregon State

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Photo Cred: Oregon Live

N’Faly Dante delivered a game-winning dunk and some bold words after leading the Oregon Ducks to a thrilling 60-58 victory against their rivals, the Oregon State Beavers. Dante made 9 of 13 shots for the Ducks.  Jackson Shelstad was effective in a 15-point performance, while Couisnard added 11 to round out the double-digit scoring for the Ducks. The Ducks surged ahead early, with budding star Jackson Shelstad contributing 11 of his eventual 15 points to give Oregon a commanding 36-24 lead at halftime. However, a second-half stumble nearly derailed what seemed like a decisive victory.

Rewinding Oregon men's basketball's 60-58 win at Oregon State - oregonlive.com

Photo Cred: USA Today

Oregon looked in control for the majority of the second half, using its advantage inside to maintain its double-digit lead. Despite maintaining strong defensive play and holding a 51-38 lead with six minutes remaining, the Ducks faced a fierce comeback from the Beavers. Oregon State sank seven of eight shots from the field, ultimately tying the game at 58-58 on free throws from Jordan Pope.

“I’m glad we got to beat little bros. We own this state,” said Dante, who notched 22 points, six rebounds, and two blocks in an impressive performance.

Rewinding Oregon men's basketball's 60-58 win at Oregon State - oregonlive.com

Photo Cred: Oregon Live

With just 40 seconds left on the clock and the game deadlocked, the Beavers failed to secure a crucial rebound after three missed shots by the Ducks. In the final seconds, Jermaine Cousinard found Dante open under the basket, setting up Dante’s emphatic game-winning dunk with 0.7 seconds remaining.

Reflecting on the intense matchup, Oregon coach Dana Altman acknowledged the tough fight his team faced and the need to address late-game mistakes. “We knew we were in for a fight, because we gave them so much confidence… They had some really good players who played their tails off,” Altman said.

Rataj led the Beavers with 17 points and nine rebounds. Bilodeau contributed 12 points and six boards. Akanno and Pope scored 10 apiece. Pope, who averages a team-best 17 points per game, made just 4 of 17 shots and missed all seven of his 3-point attempts. Looking ahead, the Oregon Ducks will hit the road to face Stanford at Maples Pavilion this Thursday. Meanwhile, the Oregon State Beavers will travel to Haas Stadium to take on the Cal Golden Bears in California.

Missouri in Danger of Finishing Winless in SEC Play

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Photo Cred: USA Today

Missouri finds itself at the bottom of the Southeastern Conference standings, having yet to secure a victory against a conference opponent. With an 0-11 record, they face an uphill battle with seven games left in the regular season. The SEC boasts formidable competition, raising doubts about Missouri’s prospects of clinching a win against their remaining opponents. Here’s a breakdown of Missouri’s upcoming matchups:

Ole Miss (2/17) (3/02)

In the final stretch of the regular season, Missouri squares off against Ole Miss twice. Currently occupying the eighth spot in the SEC, Ole Miss holds an 18-6 overall record, with a 5-6 standing in conference play. Led by coach Dennis Gates, the Rebels commenced the season impressively with a 13-0 streak, including notable victories over Memphis and NC State. Despite their recent three-game losing streak, Ole Miss remains a formidable opponent, particularly with key players such as Matthew Murrell and Allen Flanigan, both averaging double digits in scoring.

Vs No. 8 Tennessee (2/20)

Facing off against No. 8-ranked Tennessee presents one of Missouri’s toughest challenges this season. Tennessee boasts an impressive 18-6 record, currently sitting fourth in the SEC. Led by coach Rick Barnes, the Volunteers have secured notable wins over teams like Illinois, Wisconsin, and Kentucky. With star player Dalton Knecht leading the charge, averaging 20.4 points per game, Tennessee poses a formidable threat to Missouri’s aspirations.

At Arkansas (2/24)

Missouri seeks redemption against Arkansas after suffering a 91-84 defeat in their previous encounter. Although Arkansas has struggled this season, ranking 12th in the SEC with a 3-8 conference record, they remain a potent adversary. Notably, Arkansas guard Tramon Mark and forward Makhi Mitchell pose significant challenges for Missouri’s defense.

At Florida (2/28)

Missouri looks to reverse their fortunes against Florida following a 79-67 loss in their previous matchup. Despite Tamar Bates’ impressive 36-point performance for Missouri, Florida emerged victorious behind Tyrese Samuel’s standout performance. Facing a surging Florida team, currently on a six-out-of-seven-game winning streak, Missouri faces a daunting task on the road.

Vs No. 13 Auburn (3/05)

In their final home game of the season, Missouri faces a formidable Auburn squad. Auburn has won three of their last four games, including convincing victories over Ole Miss, Alabama, and South Carolina. With a solid defensive game, ranked No. 7 in the nation in defensive efficiency, Auburn presents a formidable challenge for Missouri.

At LSU (03/09)

Missouri concludes its regular season with a road game against LSU. Despite LSU’s struggles this season, ranking 11th in the SEC, they have shown promise in close games. Senior guard Jordan Wright leads the LSU Tigers, providing a significant offensive threat.

Missouri faces an arduous path in the remaining games of the season, confronting tough opponents in the highly competitive SEC. With their determination and strategic adjustments, they aim to finish the season on a high note despite the challenges ahead.

Colorado Buffaloes Stage Comeback against USC in Double-Overtime

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Photo Cred: Orange County Register 

In a game that could have derailed their NCAA tournament hopes, the Colorado Buffaloes showcased resilience and determination, staging a remarkable comeback to defeat the USC Trojans in a double-overtime thriller, 92-89, at the Galen Center on Saturday. Despite a rocky start, with both teams shooting over 50% in the first half, USC managed to take a 39-33 lead into halftime, buoyed by the performances of guard Kobe Johnson and Boogie Ellis. However, Colorado refused to back down, mounting a relentless effort on both ends of the court.

USC fails to close another game in a double-overtime loss to Colorado – Orange County Register

Photo Cred: Orange County Register

The Trojans appeared poised for victory, holding a commanding 65-49 lead with just over 10 minutes remaining in regulation. But the Buffaloes refused to concede defeat, embarking on a stunning 17-3 run to narrow the gap to 68-66 with 3:39 left on the clock. Led by standout performances from freshman KJ Simpson and star forward Isaiah Collier, who finished with 25 points for USC, the game remained fiercely contested until the final seconds of regulation. A clutch dunk from Luke O’Brien with three seconds left sent the game into overtime, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion.

Simpson, who finished with a game-high 30 points, proved to be the difference-maker for Colorado, dominating the second half and overtime periods with his scoring prowess and tenacious defense. Tristan Da Silva and Cody Williams also made significant contributions for the Buffaloes, combining for 32 points and playing crucial roles in the team’s comeback effort. Despite the return of key players Ellis and Collier for USC, the Trojans were unable to halt Colorado’s momentum, succumbing to their second double-digit lead loss against the Buffaloes this season.

USC fails to close another game in a double-overtime loss to Colorado – San Bernardino Sun

Photo Cred: San Bernardino Suns

With the victory, Colorado improved to 2-7 on the road and kept their NCAA tournament hopes alive as they aim to solidify their position in the postseason picture. Meanwhile, the loss dealt a blow to USC’s aspirations, as injuries have plagued their season and hindered their consistency. However, with Collier and Ellis back in the lineup, the Trojans remain a formidable opponent as they look to close out the regular season on a high note and make a run in the upcoming Pac-12 tournament.

Both teams will face tough challenges in their next matchups, with Colorado set to host the Utah Utes in a crucial conference showdown, while USC hits the road to take on the surging UCLA Bruins. As the postseason looms, both teams will be eager to build momentum and secure their place in March Madness contention.

New York Giants Face Decision on Injury-Prone Running Back Saquon Barkley

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Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports

Saquon Barkley, the dynamic running back drafted second overall by the Giants in 2018, is nearing free agency with uncertainty looming over his future in New York.Barkley, known for his electrifying agility and game-changing plays, has undeniably been a force for the Giants when healthy. However, injuries have plagued his career, raising doubts about his long-term viability in the league.

Saquon Barkley talks NFL draft, COVID-19 relief and the value of the RB

Photo Cred: USA Today

Despite his undeniable talent, discussions of a lucrative long-term extension between Barkley and the Giants have hit a roadblock due to his injury history and the evolving dynamics of the running back position in the NFL. Last year’s attempt at a long-term deal fizzled, leading to a modified one-year agreement. With the Giants signaling their reluctance to commit to Barkley for the long haul, speculation is rife that the two parties may part ways.

For Giants fans, facing the reality of a potential departure for Barkley is difficult, but it signals a necessary shift for the team. With the offense in need of a rebuild, clinging to a fragile star running back might hinder progress rather than bolster it. Franchise-tagging Barkley has only added unnecessary attention to the situation, highlighting the urgency for the Giants to make a decisive move. While losing Barkley would mean bidding farewell to their best offensive weapon, the Giants could benefit from reallocating resources to address pressing needs, particularly on the offensive line.

Saquon Barkley's Best Free Agent Fits

Photo Cred: The Draft Network

In today’s NFL landscape, where running backs are increasingly viewed as replaceable commodities, the Giants could find a suitable replacement in the upcoming draft or through prudent free-agent signings. With the league prioritizing versatility and durability in offensive schemes, investing heavily in Barkley’s uncertain future may not align with the team’s long-term goals.

Furthermore, considering Barkley’s advancing age and the limited shelf life of running backs in the NFL, there are no guarantees of sustained production moving forward. As the Giants navigate the decision-making process regarding Barkley, they must adapt to the changing dynamics of the league and prioritize building a competitive roster capable of sustained success. Whether Barkley remains in New York or not, the Giants’ future hinges on strategic roster decisions and a commitment to evolving with the NFL landscape.

Ex-Alabama Baseball Coach Brad Bohannon Receives 15-Year Show Cause for Betting Scandal

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Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports

Former University of Alabama head baseball coach Brad Bohannon has been hit with a 15-year show-cause penalty and other sanctions for breaching NCAA wagering and ethical conduct rules. This development follows his termination from the university in May of last year. 

Bohannon was fired after he was caught providing inside information to an individual who “knowingly bet on Alabama baseball” and subsequently refused to cooperate with the enforcement investigation. The incident involved Bohannon communicating with an individual known to be a bettor, sharing details such as starting lineups before informing the opposing team and information about injured players. 

Following this information, the recipient of the messages attempted to place a $100,000 wager on the Tide. However, the bet was rejected for going over the limited amount of $15,000, leading to a ban for “suspicious activity”. After an investigation, Alabama faced Level I-mitigated penalties, with Bohannon receiving Level I-aggravated penalties.

NCAA places 15-year show cause against ex-Alabama baseball coach Brad Bohannon in gambling case | AP News

Photo Cred: AP News 

In addition to the 15-year show cause, Bohannon was given a three-year probation and a $5,000 fine. What this means is “any employing member institution shall restrict Bohannon from any athletically related position.” If Bohannon were to be hired during this period, he would face a suspension for 100% of the baseball regular season for the first five years of his employment. 

The university is also now obligated to send players, coaches, and the athletic administrator to a comprehensive gambling education program provided by EPIC Global Solutions.

Alabama Fires Baseball Coach After Report of Suspicious Bets – NBC 6 South Florida

Photo Cred: NBC 6

Legendary Florida State Baseball Coach Mike Martin Passes Away

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Photo Cred: AP News

Mike Martin, the winningest coach in NCAA Division I history, passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2024. While the cause of death was previously unknown, he was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia four years ago, and he unfortunately lost his battle due to its effects. He was 79 at the time of his death.

His 40-year tenure as head baseball coach of the Florida State Seminoles lasted from 1980-2019. Martin achieved a record of 2029-736-4. He helped lead FSU to 19 conference championships, including 11 in the Metropolitan Collegiate Athletic Conference and eight in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Despite reaching the College World Series 17 times, Martin’s teams never managed to win the title once. 

Throughout his time as the Seminoles coach, Martin earned Coach of the Year honors 15 times: seven from the ACC, six from the Metro Conference, and two from Baseball America. In 2005, Florida State renamed its baseball field to him to “Mike Martin Field at Dick Howser Stadium” in his honor. In 2019, he was inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame.

Head Coach Mike Martin of the Florida State Seminoles with his wife,... News Photo - Getty Images

Photo Cred: Don Juan Moore/Getty Images 

At Florida State, Martin coached over 70 All-Americans, four Golden Spikes winners (awarded to the best amateur baseball player in the US), and two Dick Howser Trophies (awarded to the best college baseball player every year). Notable players under his guidance included Deion Sanders, Jameis Winston, Buster Posey, and J. D. Drew.

In 2018, after a 3-2 victory against Clemson, Martin surpassed legendary Texas baseball coach Augie Garrido for the most wins in college baseball history by any coach.

Hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, he launched baseball journey as a player in college. Following one year at Wingate Junior College, he transferred to Florida State, where he competed during the 1965 and 1966 seasons. As a center fielder for the Seminoles, he participated in the 1965 College World Series and earned all-district honors as a senior, graduating in 1966. The New York Mets selected him in the 28th round of the 1966 MLB Draft, leading to several years in the minor leagues. Between 1966 and 1967, he played for various of the Mets’ Class A teams (Greenville, Winter Haven, Mankato) before joining the Rocky Mount Leafs in 1968, a Class A team affiliated with the Detroit Tigers. Martin transitioned to coaching in 1970. 

After four years of coaching basketball at Tallahassee Community College and Amos High School (FL), he returned to his alma mater as an assistant coach in 1975 before assuming the head coaching position in 1980. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family from us at Sports Radio America. May he rest in peace.

Mike Martin, 1944-2024 - Florida State University

Photo Cred: Seminoles.com

Israel Draws Tough Group in Nation’s League

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Photo Cred: The Athletic

As the Israel national soccer team prepares for its Euro 2024 qualifying playoff semifinal matchup with Iceland on March 21, the team also received its group for the UEFA Nations League competition this fall. Israel, currently ranked No. 75 in the world, will face a challenging schedule in pool play from September to November with six matchups against each team. Italy, France, and Belgium are the three countries in League A Group A2 with Israel. Let’s examine each of Israel’s opponents for the Nations League:

ITALY

ITALY HAVE QUALIFIED FOR EURO 2024 🇮🇹👏 With their draw vs Ukraine they  have officially booked their ticket to the Euros ✈️ | Instagram

Photo Cred: IG

Israel will have its hands full with Italy. Italy’s national soccer team is currently ranked No. 9 in the world. Italy has rebounded after failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, making it to the Euro 2024 tournament. Luciano Spalletti’s team advanced from group C after a 0-0 draw with Ukraine in their final matchup. Some players to watch out for from Italy include Juventus midfielder Federico Chiesa, Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi, U.S. Sassuolo Calcio forward Domenico Berardi, Inter Milan defender Matteo Darmian, SSC Napoli forward Giacomo Raspadori, and AS Roma forward Stephan El Shaarawy.

Frattesi scored both goals for Italy in its 2-1 victory against Ukraine in their first matchup during the Euro qualifiers back in September. Alessandro Bastoni is another key player for Italy’s national team. Bastoni, ranked as the ninth-best center-back in the world at just 24 years old, according to 90min.com. Israel will also face the challenge of scoring against goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, ranked No. 10 in the world by 90min.com and currently playing for Paris Saint-Germain.

FRANCE

France have Euro 2024 berth in sight after outclassing Ireland

Photo Cred: New Strains Times

Israel will also face a talented France team. France is ranked as the second-best team in the world after reaching the 2022 World Cup Final, ultimately falling to Argentina in penalties. Since the World Cup, the France national team qualified for the Euro 2024 tournament, cruising through the qualifiers with seven wins and one draw. Didier Deschamps’ squad had some impressive victories, including a 14-0 win over Gibraltar and two wins over the Netherlands, who also advanced from the group. The standout player for France is Kylian Mbappe, arguably the best player in the world right now and currently playing for Paris Saint-Germain.

Mbappe scored all three goals in France’s loss to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final, including two in around a minute towards the end of regulation. Mbappe also scored nine goals throughout the Euro 2024 qualifiers. The 25-year-old has already won several awards, including the ESPY awards’ Best International Soccer Player in 2022, the 2022 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot, and a three-time winner of the FIFA FIFPRO World XI award. Israel will also have to contend with FC Bayern Munich forward and midfielder Kingsley Coman, Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram, Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana, and AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Maignan is listed as the fifth-best goalkeeper in the world according to 90min.com.

BELGIUM

Abandoned after Brussels shooting, Belgium vs. Sweden EURO 2024 qualifier  not to be replayed

Photo Cred: http://www.aa.com.tr

Israel’s other Nations League group opponent will be Belgium, ranked No. 4 in the world. The Belgium national team failed to advance from the World Cup group stage in 2022 for the first time since 1998. Since the World Cup, Domenico Tedesco’s team has qualified for Euro 2024 with six victories and a draw. Some of Belgium’s notable wins include two victories over Estonia and a 3-2 win over Austria in October.

Romelu Lukaku will pose a challenge for Israel as he is the all-time leading scorer for the Belgium national team with 83 goals. The AS Roma striker scored 14 goals throughout the Euro 2024 qualifiers, including four goals in Belgium’s 5-0 victory over Azerbaijan in November. Other players to watch out for from Belgium are Sevilla FC winger Dodi Lukebakio, Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard, Al-Shabab FC midfielder Yannick Carrasco, and defenders Arthur Theate and Jan Vertonghen.